Dinner at REDD  –  Service was prompt – but was a bit stuffy, snooty and two dimensional.  The menu was well designed and the food was fantastic.  Accompanied by a bottle of Cade,  Tina enjoyed the Halibut and I enjoyed the Skate Wing.  No criticism on the food – very delicious as we expected.

After we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the grounds of Outpost we headed over to the Clif Family vineyard also on Howell Mountain.  Entering the property you come across a small unmarked building which could have easily been the home of the Uni-bomber – coming around back you enter a large patio with pool which clearly was the scene of a 1980’s porn movie.     Our host, Jeff Blaum proceeded to talk us through the wines, the vineyard, and lead us thru an amazing and truly one of a kind wine tasting paired with cheese, jam, olive oil and dukkahs.  WOW.  Jeff’s passion delivers an experience like no other.   Not much more to say than just WOW.    Checkout  DUKKAH

BTW  – the wines where also out of this world – all that you would expect from Howell Mountain an d more.

Our next stop up on Howell Mountain – Outpost.  Staying with the theme:  Mountain fruit- small production.   Less than 5000 cases.   Unique to Outpost’s production was a small Grenache release.   Location was incredible – looking down on the clouds below.  Sun popped out for long enough to give us both a good sunburn.

Started the day meeting Jim Keller from NVTT who would be driving us up to Howell Mountain to visit Cade, Outpost and Clif Family.  This is only way to get into the Mountains as the drive was steep, windy and long.  Jim kept our attention throughout the day with an infinite number of facts and stories about Napa’s wineries, vineyards, people and history.

First stop – Cade (one of our favorite “special occasion” wines which you can commonly find in Connecticut restaurants.

Fire Pit at the pool draws a large after dinner crowd.

Dinner at Bistro Jeanty !       Tina enjoyed the BœufBourguignon and the Escargots while I enjoyed the Rack of Lamb (I traditionlly never order lamb) and the Quenelles de Brochet (pike dumpling with lobster sause)

Amazing.  We enjoyed Bistro Jeanty when we where here 3 years ago and it did not disappoint this time either.

Candinale’s winery is located just north of Yountville in the valley.  Driving up the small hill to the winery you see vineyards in every direction – None of which are growing fruit for Cardinale.  All of Cardinale’s fruit is mountain fruit from Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain.   Meeting with Anne Hawley we learned about the Wine Maker’s (Christopher Carpenter) vision and style for making large, full, quintessential Napa style bold fruit forward boutique wines.  Production is very small, producing less than 2000 cases annually.    Being careful to make smart wine club choices this visit – (adding some / removing some) we are excited to have become members of the Cardinale wine club.

Lunch at the iconic Mustard’s Grill.

After navigating up a private road to the top of the hill we were pleasantly welcomed by George’s two dogs.  George welcomed us into his home; being a few minutes early we were able to enjoy the beautiful view while George setup our tasting.  We enjoyed learning of the history of vineyard and the origin of the wineries name “Chanticleer”.    You don’t get any more of an intimate wine experience than sitting with the winery and vineyard owner and hearing the the whole story from the beginning.  Wines were full, the fruit was in the spotlight but were smooth and welcoming.  Growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio on the property.  Total production is approximately 1600 cases.